Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday admitted that he had met with organizers of a people’s initiative to amend the Constitution, but said he was acting as an advisor, not an orchestrator of the campaign—and denied any involvement in the buying signatures.
“Such practices are against my principles and the ethical standards of our government,” Romualdez said.
The Speaker issued the statement after a Senate panel investigating the people’s initiative showed a photo of him meeting with members of the People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) at his townhouse in Forbes Park, Makati.
“I acknowledge that representatives from the people’s initiative, including Mr. Noel Oñate, had approached me for a meeting. This encounter, held at my townhouse, was in the spirit of open dialogue and understanding of civic actions spearheaded by our citizens.”
“As Speaker of the House, I am committed to upholding the principles of democracy and facilitating discussions on matters of national interest. The meeting with the people’s initiative representatives was an exercise in this commitment. My role, as misinterpreted by some, is not as an orchestrator but as a facilitator for healthy democratic processes,” he added.
“It is crucial to clarify that while I support the spirit of civic engagement and participatory governance, my involvement in the people’s initiative has been purely advisory and in no way extends to mobilizing or leading their signature campaign. The initiative and its operations are entirely led and managed by the group themselves,” Romualdez said.
“I respect the autonomy of the people’s initiative and commend their efforts to engage in constitutional discourse. However, as the Speaker of the House, my primary role is to steer legislative actions within the Congress and ensure that all processes are conducted with integrity, fairness, and in accordance with our laws.
“I urge the public and media to approach this topic with an understanding of the distinct roles in our democratic framework and to avoid conflating support for civic discourse with direct involvement in specific initiatives,” Romualdez added.
The Senate committee on electoral reforms got confirmation from PIRMA lead convener Oñate on Tuesday that he met with Romualdez and other congressmen to discuss using a people’s initiative to pursue Charter change—after the panel showed him a photo of his group meeting with Romualdez in the Speaker’s townhouse in Forbes Park, Makati City.
Oñate said the meeting should have been held at his house in Cavite but the “staff” suggested that the meeting be held at Romualdez’s house instead.
“I initiated the meeting, but I was told that the meeting will be done instead at the townhouse of the Speaker,” he said in Filipino.
Oñate admitted that they have coordinated with congressmen who act as “chief executive officers (CEOs)” of their districts and Romualdez, who serves as the “CEO” of the House of Representatives.
“I sought the help of the Speaker, I admit, to help us in signature gathering,” he said.
Amending the Constitution through PI requires at least 12 percent of the total number of registered voters as signatories, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least 3 percent of its registered voters.
Before being shown the photo, the PIRMA leader had denied meeting Romualdez and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
Romualdez, Oñate said, only helped in the “administrative” and “advisory” capacity as the CEO of the House of Representatives.
“Our people would go to the districts and coordinate with the congressman because he or she is the CEO of the district. So, it is natural that we will go to the congressman,” he said.
“They are helping us by letting us know the population of their districts and where to get votes. Basically, their help is more administrative in nature,” he added.
The Senate committee on electoral reforms, chaired by Senator Imee Marcos, conducted its first hearing Tuesday.
Senator Marcos had harsh words for her cousin, Romualdez, saying no there is “no cure or medicine for your shameless face.”
In her opening statement, Senator Marcos said people were fooled by greedy politicians who lied and wasted people’s money. She likened the fake people’s initiative to an ailment which easily spread.
Romualdez appealed for calm, sobriety, and civility in language.
“In response to the recent comments made by Senator Imee Marcos, I would like to address this matter with the utmost respect and civility that it deserves,” Romualdez said.
“Family ties in Philippine politics are deeply rooted, and while differences in opinions are inevitable, it is essential to approach these differences with a spirit of constructive dialogue and mutual respect.
“The phrase “Walang gamot sa kakapalan ng mukha mo” (There is no cure for your shamelessness), as expressed by Senator Marcos, reflects a passionate stance on issues we both care deeply about. As public servants, our primary focus should always be on the welfare of our constituents and the progress of our nation. It is in this light that I choose to interpret her words as a call to engage more deeply in our shared commitment to serve the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.
“My appeal to Senator Imee: No need to be rude. Young people listen to us, and this is not a good example.”
But Senator Marcos said Romualdez started it all.
“When you said it’s (the PI’s) not the concern of the Senate, you were the first who was rude,” she said.
Asked about the accusation of former President Rodrigo Duterte that her brother President Marcos is an addict, the senator blurted: “It’s crazy!”
She also said Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte had apologized to her for calling for the President’s resignation.
Meanwhile, leaders in the House challenged their Senate counterparts to pursue Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, saying they would adopt the approved resolution completely.
Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said he was worried that some senators may use the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to indefinitely postpone the acceptance of people’s initiative signatures as an excuse to delay voting on Resolution of Both Houses 6 authored principally by Zubiri.
The resolution calls for the amendment of three specific economic provisions of the Constitution.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, on the other hand, challenged the House to abandon the people’s initiative aimed to amend the Constitution.
Pimentel said that all reports pointed to the leadership of the House as the instigators behind the so-called people’s initiative.
“It would be good for them to say to everyone they’ve talked to about the people’s initiative: ‘abandon ship’ now. Do not continue whatever instructions we’ve given you,” he said.
Pimentel said the key issue is whether the initiative truly represents the will of the people or if it has become a tool for politicians to advance their own agendas.
In the same radio interview, Pimentel said that the Comelec was correct in suspending all proceedings related to the people’s initiative, citing the lack of a legal basis for such actions by the poll body. However, he cautioned the public to remain vigilant, as the Comelec could lift the suspension as well.